Squirrel Hunting Guide >> Squirrel Hunting Tips

Squirrel hunting is a fun and exciting adventure so why not make it fruitful? In order to be more efficient at this type of hunting a scope is recommended for your squirrel hunting rifle. But which scopes are suitable for a squirrel rifle? Later on, we will offer you some sample products to create a clearer image about squirrel rifle scopes.

We strongly recommend installing scopes because the rifle’s iron sights will limit the range at which efficient shots can be made. A 4x power scope provides enough field of view and offers more than enough magnification. One of the 3-9x power rimfire scopes will also work just fine. A scoped squirrel rifle should be zeroed to hit dead on at approximately 75 yards. That way the mid-range rise is no greater than 1.5”. For a handgun, many experienced hunters use scopes with powers between 1.3x to 5x.

The lowest you can mount a scope is 1 3/8 inches above the bore and also 2 inches above the bore isn’t uncommon. With an installed scope and basically any cartridge, you are going to shoot low at short ranges of less than approximately 25 yards and the higher the sights are above the bore, the worse this problem becomes. If you have time and patience to practice and become a good shooter you will most likely eliminate the second problem and be right where you need to be from 15 to 75 yards

Of course installing a scope on a rifle has some disadvantages too, like increased weight and bulk for example. The additional weight and bulk of a telescopic sight and mount have a negative effect on any rifle’s handling. In addition, good quality scopes cost a small fortune and not everyone can afford them. Some hunters affirm that they have better results using the iron sights in comparison with using a mounted scope so it basically depends on each and every hunter.

When choosing a scope make sure it fits your rifle and if you don’t own a rifle make sure that the rifle and the scope will “get along“ because not every scope can be mounted on a given rifle. It is advisable to ask some of your friends that have mounted scopes on their rifles to let you use their rifles so that you get a better image about the differences between the standard iron sights and an installed scope. After you have installed the scope on your squirrel hunting rifle start practicing so you get the hang of it and be fully prepared for the real thing.

As far as pricing is concerned, you basically get what you pay for so we strongly recommend avoiding cheap scopes as their efficiency is highly doubtable. We suggest purchasing scopes that are situated in the middle price range as they offer the balance between price and quality. To make things easier, we have gathered five scopes that are recommended for a squirrel hunting rifle.

Leupold VX-III 3.5-10×50mm Rifle Scope

The Index Matched Lens System offers unparalleled levels of clarity, brightness, and contrast. Finger-adjustable, ¼-MOA click windage and elevation adjustments with resettable pointer dials marking the zero point. A durable Leupold Scope Cover is included to protect your valuable VX-III riflescope during transport or when not in use. It is incredibly rugged, with absolute waterproof integrity in all conditions.

These scopes give you all the big-scope brightness and field of view in a smaller, lighter package. They are designed around an entirely new lens system with brilliant images and wide field of view. And, 3.75′’ to 5′’ of eye relief is no small advantage when squeezing the trigger on a light, hard-kicking rifle. This scope is available in the proven Ballistic Plex reticule, which is calibrated perfectly to short magnum cartridges.

The extended 80-MOA of windage and elevation adjustment travel (with .25-MOA clicks) make this scope a “must have” for the hunter who shoots a broad range of game and at distances that vary greatly. All models have a one-piece 30mm tube to deliver plenty of light for those perfect shots right before legal shooting ends, and up to five inches of eye relief.

This long range scope is styled to be practical and attractive, featuring all-weather grips and a zoom thumb bump. Trust your shot with Hawke and The Guide: 1″ matte-black body tube; Fast focus eyebell and 1/4 M.O.A. “Hi-Grip” turrets; Waterproof, fogproof and shockproof; 6-24×44 mm AO Scope: Eye relief: 3.5″; F.O.V.: 21.9-5.4 ft. at 100 yards.; Length: 15.7″; Weighs 20 oz.

Designed for use with most center fire cartridges, the BDC provides reliable aiming points out to 500 yards. Multicoated lenses deliver maximum light transmission for a bright field of view. Quality lenses ensure edge-to-edge sharpness. Precise 1/4-MOA click windage and elevation adjustments. The 4×32 Rimfire Classic has a generous 8mm exit pupil and 50-yard parallax adjustment. 2-7×32 Shotgun Hunter model delivers a wide field of view at low power and superb definition at high settings. All are water-, shock- and fog-proof.